Chargers could still trade Jackson

SAN FRANCISCO  The Chargers remain interested in trading Vincent Jackson and could allow another team to negotiate with the receiver’s agents before Saturday, a source said Thursday.

So far, the Chargers have only granted the Seattle Seahawks permission to speak with Jackson’s agents about a contract. Those talks stalled when the asking price became known, but various reports on Thursday said the Seahawks remain interested. The Minnesota Vikings also balked at the five-year, $50 million deal Jackson’s representative were seeking.

The Jackson camp has made it known in various media reports the past week their price is not currently that high.

In fact, it is possible the one-year deal for somewhere around $7 million that those close to Jackson said last month that he would be amenable to could be what he eventually accepts from another team. However, such a deal would bring less compensation in trade for the Chargers and could preclude a trade from happening since Chargers General Manager A.J. Smith is known to appreciate compensatory draft picks when an unrestricted free agent leaves.

Both the Chargers and, presumably, Jackson’s agents would like to have a deal done by 3 p.m. Saturday. After that, Jackson will essentially be suspended for six games. Jackson is suspended the first three games of the season due to his two DUI arrests and cannot report to a team during that suspension. He is also on the Roster Exempt List, which means he has to sit out three games after reporting.

Busting out

Norv Turner said this week he knew what Buster Davis could do and didn’t think it was paramount the fourth-year receiver play too much against the 49ers.

Yet, there Davis was Thursday showing he is a significant threat but also emerging healthy.

With Malcom Floyd not playing, Davis lined up outside and had four catches for 82 yards in five series. He made a grab on a slant, tiptoed in bounds for a 14-yard gain on the next play, reached back for a 12-yard reception and made a diving catch for 47 yards.

For those waiting for the Chargers’ 2007 first-round pick to make an impact, perhaps it is a good sign that Davis finished the preseason with 10 catches for 146 yards. That’s five more catches than in any of his previous three preseasons.

Big plans, lots of tickets

Approximately 11,000 tickets remain for the home opener Sept. 19 against the Jacksonville Jaguars, putting in jeopardy the Chargers streak of 43 regular season games not blacked out.

Those at the game will see a video tribute to former Chargers head coach Don Coryell and formed defensive lineman Gary “Big Hands” Johnson, both of whom passed away this summer.

The Chargers will wear decals that day that read “Air Coryell” and Johnson’s number “79.”

Nuts ‘n’ Bolts

• Cornerback Fred Bennett, signed off waivers Tuesday, played in the second half despite having not practiced with the Chargers. He was likely to make the team anyway, and his third-quarter interception didn’t hurt his chances.

• Linebacker Brandon Siler, who started in place of Stephen Cooper, made a heads-up interception of a bobbled pass in the second quarter that was caused by rookie safety Darrell Stuckey’s well-timed hit.

• The Chargers’ defensive backs have tried to play more physical at the line, and it has been largely effective. However, the aggressiveness perhaps contributed to two penalties (illegal contact, hands to the face) in the first half.